Zanella – Italian trace in Argentine bikes

When it comes to motorcycle technology, we remember Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Czech, and, in extreme cases, French models. I don’t think everyone knows that Latin America has its own manufacturer with seven and a half decades of experience.


Yes, such a seemingly not very technically advanced country like Argentina also has its own enterprise for assembling two-wheeled vehicles. And it really dates back to the late 40s of the last century.


Of course, the company did not arise out of nowhere, and not without technical support from more developed manufacturers. Zanella, founded in 1948, began by producing licensed Italian motorcycles under the Ceccato brand. The Latin American company mastered the range of light vehicles because it used power units of 100 or 125 cc. see Fabio Taglioni acted as their author. They were installed on three categories of vehicles:

✅ motorcycles
✅ mopeds
✅ ATVs

The Argentines also had experience in producing karting vehicles. Later, the model range expanded to include three-wheeled motorcycles (so-called trikes) and compact mini-trucks. Rounding out the list is the Force series of four-wheel light trucks. Today, four-stroke engines with a displacement of 50 to 500 cc are used as power units for scooters and more serious equipment. cm.

True, with one caveat. Locally, at facilities in Caseros and San Luis, only light motor vehicles are produced. All multi-cube models are just DIY kits. In the sense that a complete set of parts is imported from China in the form of disassembled kits. By applying the principle of screwdriver assembly, the Argentine company obtains its own versions of a variety of two-wheeled equipment.

Promotion of Argentine motorcycles

This cunning move allowed Zanella to produce a production capacity of 12 thousand units of various motor vehicles per month. Later, thanks to a well-thought-out business plan, the figure was increased by another two thousand. To achieve this, the company requires a thousand permanent employees and three times as many indirect or part-time employees at Zanella.


The official presentation of the Argentine Chamber of Manufacturers, Dealers and Vehicle Suppliers, held on December 22, 2009, was a high recognition of his services to his country. It took place at the company’s capital plant in Caseros, and the chairman of the confederation of local entrepreneurs especially noted the merits of Zanella:



The company's current product line includes many models. In this material, we will try to consider only a few of the most popular motorcycles from the Argentine manufacturer Zanella. These are modern devices with power units of 150 and 250 cubic meters. cm.

Zanella is ready to invite drivers to “define their individuality” with a new avant-garde model from the manufacturer. It is this 250cc motorcycle that allows it to position itself as a player in the high-end segment with a balanced combination of important factors: design, quality and price.



As Zanella continually seeks to meet the demands of demanding customers and innovate in the design and technology of its new products, the RX 250 will change the market. The company's marketing manager, Facundo Lippo, believes that the average owner of two-wheeled vehicles is placing increasingly higher demands on them.


This means that Zanella is obliged to offer something modern and with decent characteristics. And, at the same time, avoid exorbitant prices, which is what famous manufacturers do when introducing breakthrough motorcycle models to the market.

250 cc motorcycle for the city

The new RX250 is both urban and sporty - the best expression of the RX line's design. Stylized and clean lines present a youthful component, accompanied by LED equipment. And the white color is an innovative detail that emphasizes the originality of the new motorcycle model.

Special technology ensures fast braking thanks to the triple disc design and optimized treads. This gives more traction, especially when cornering. Thanks to the OHC (Overhead Camshaft), the motorcycle gets the best of efficiency, performance and a relaxed riding experience. The RX 250 is equipped with an engine with the following characteristics:

✅ four-stroke balanced
✅ single cylinder
✅ working volume - 249 cubic meters. cm
✅ has electric and kickstarter
✅ mechanical clutch
✅ 5 speeds

The Street Naked style combines technical and mechanical efficiency with avant-garde design. They are conceived, designed and manufactured for street use. The RX 250 offers the optimal balance of agility, versatility, power and attractive design.

Various modifications with 150 cc engine

But the second specimen in question is positioned as a vehicle for crossing any terrain and under various climatic conditions. It is equipped with the most proven engine in its category and has a modern, sporty design.



There are other variations in the 150 cc model series. The most popular are the RX 150 Z7 and ZR 150. All of them are characterized by high stability in operation, quality and low fuel consumption. Here are the characteristics of the power unit:

✅ single-cylinder, four-stroke
✅ working volume - 149 cubic meters. cm
✅ power - 12,7 liters. With
✅ Gearbox – manual, 5-speed

It is air cooled. Also, like the previous model, an electric or kick starter is available. Spoke wheels. Both brakes are drum type. The front suspension is a hydraulic telescopic fork, the rear suspension is a double hydraulic shock absorber. Here are other technical indicators:

✅ maximum speed - 100 km / h
✅ fuel consumption - 2,1 l / 100 km
✅ fuel reserve - 12 l
✅ total length – 740 mm
✅ empty weight – 109 kg
✅ load capacity - 150 kg

The motorcycle also has a width of 740 mm and a height of 1060 mm. Front wheel – 2,75/18, rear – 3,0/18. But all these are just dry numbers. I think it will be much more interesting to listen to the opinions of those who have already had the opportunity to try Argentine technology in action.


Let us immediately note that everything written below is nothing more than a subjective opinion. However, it was expressed by people who have been using these motorcycles for more than one year. The following specifications apply to the ZR 150 model.

Argentine drivers talk about domestic motorcycles

One local user noted that the motorcycle looks very good from an aesthetic and practical point of view. It has a pleasant engine sound and a suitable height for use in urban environments. But from a technical point of view, the driver’s copy did not stand up to any criticism.

After the first serious rain, the dashboard failed. It later recovered, but the lap counter remained faulty. The steering wheel was poorly centered from the factory and the gas filter clamp was leaking. The new battery also had to be replaced immediately under warranty. Motorcycle produced in 2023.


The second client was more satisfied with Zanella products. He noted the efficiency, which was expressed in 450 kilometers traveled by him at one gas station. After a run of 75 thousand km, he did not have to repair a single part. Except for the broken spoke in the rear wheel. But still, there was something to criticize the Zanella ZR 150 for. It was a very stiff clutch, which he replaced with another set.